Inflatable multi-function parabolic reflector apparatus and methods of manufacture

ABSTRACT

An inflatable, mutifunction, mutipurpose, parabolic reflector apparatus having a plurality of manufactured parabolic mirrors made from a pressure-deformable reflective covering of an inflatable ring for focusing electromagnetic energy from radio frequency radiation (RF) through the ultraviolet radiation (UV) and solar energy for (1) heating and cooking, for (2) electrical power generation, for (3) enhancing the transmission and reception of radio signals, for (4) enhancing vision in low-light environments, and for (5) projection of optical signals or images. The device also has non-electromagnetic uses, such as the collection of water. A first main embodiment utilizes two reflective membranes. A second main embodiment utilizes a reflective membrane and a transparent membrane. Portability is enhanced by complete collapsing of the inflatable device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/294,440 filed May 30, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to radiant electromagnetic energy concentrating, focusing and beaming devices and manufacturing methods. More specifically, the invention is an inflatable parabolic reflector device made from pressure-deformable reflective membranes supported by an integral inflatable ring for focusing electromagnetic energy from radio frequency radiation (RF) through the ultraviolet radiation (UV) including solar energy for (1) heating and cooking, for (2) electrical power generation, for (3) enhancing the transmission and reception of radio signals, for (4) LITMAN LAW enhancing vision in low-light environments, and for (5)

[0004] A first main embodiment utilizes two or more pressure-deformable membranes, at least one of which is reflective, to form a central reflector chamber, which can be inflated to either sub-ambient (as required for most applications) or super-ambient pressures to deploy the reflective membranes. A second main embodiment utilizes at least one reflective membrane and at least one transparent membrane to form a central reflector chamber, which can be inflated only to super-ambient pressures.

[0005] The invention also contemplates that the apparatus can be used for such non-electromagnetic functions as (1) the collecting and storage of water, (2) use as a water flotation device, (3) use as a gurney or cast, (4) use as a portable fermentor apparatus, and (5) the directional amplification of sound. The invention contemplates numerous other uses as discussed hereinbelow and as readily apparent to a user of the device.

[0006] 2. Related Art

[0007] a. Description

[0008] The related art of interest describes various electromagnetic energy harnessing devices, but none discloses the present invention. There is a need for an economical device useful for many different purposes and deflatable for portage and storage.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 3,326,624 issued on Jun. 20, 1967, to Wladimir von Maydell et al. describes an inflatable paraboloid mirror capable of being formed into a permanently rigid structure in outer space to collect solar energy for space stations and flying bodies. The mirror has a valved annular ring, radial segmental covers or strip springs, radial heating wires, and a valved double walled mirror formed with polyester foam coated with a reflector material. The ring and mirror have internal rigid spacers.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,920,294 issued on Jul. 6, 1999, to Bibb B. Allen describes a space antenna having an interior tensioned multiple cord attachment in a balloon which uses Mylar® for electromagnetic and solar energy applications in a first embodiment. A second embodiment utilizes an exterior tensioned cord attachment to a spacecraft of an antenna reflector of a gold-plated molybdenum or graphite wire mesh inside an inflated toroidal support balloon which uses Mylar® for electromagnetic and solar energy applications.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,352,112 issued on Sep. 28, 1982, to Fritz Leonhardt et al. describes a large reflector having an inner face of either a polished aluminum sheet or a plastic sheet backed by individual membrane segments of a rigid foam backing having a curved concave surface and an opening in its center. Two membranes formed as concave or convex reflectors are used to reflect and concentrate solar rays to a heat absorber, heat exchanger and the like.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 2,977,596 issued on Mar. 28, 1961, to Harold D. Justice describes an inflatable circular antenna saucer on a transmitter or receiver base.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 3,005,987 issued on Oct. 24, 1961, to Kent M. Mack et al. describes an inflatable antenna assembly comprising a radome covering an inflatable elliptical tubular membrane support having structural lacing and two concave sheets of flexible non-conducting sheets, wherein one sheet is coated with vaporized aluminum.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 3,056,131 issued on Sep. 25, 1962, to Ralph L. McCreary describes an inflatable reflector for electromagnetic radiation comprising two concave thin sheets of flexible plastic material, wherein at least one sheet having a parabolic shape.

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 3,221,333 issued on Nov. 30, 1965, to Desmond M. Brown describes an inflatable radio antenna comprising an oblate bag aerial including a pair of spaced parallel insulating planar surfaces connected to a medial portion and having two antenna elements mounted parallel to form a capacitive plate antenna.

[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 3,413,645 issued on Nov. 26, 1968, to Richard J. Koehler describes an elongated inflatable parabolic radar antenna toroid assembly providing a small wave energy aperture in one plane and a larger wave energy aperture in a perpendicular plane.

[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 3,471,860 issued on Oct. 7, 1969, to Floyd D. Amburgey describes a reflector antenna having a variable or flexible surface, the geometrical shape of which may be changed by air pressure or a partial vacuum behind the flexible membrane for the purpose of obtaining the best reception from this antenna type.

[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 4,672,389 issued on Jun. 9, 1987, to David N. Ulry describes an inflatable reflector apparatus and a method of manufacture. A super-ambient pressure is maintained within the envelope which is maintained by a compression frame member.

[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 4,741,609 issued on May 3, 1988, to Daniel V. Sallis describes a stretched membrane heliostat having a membrane mounted on a circular frame, there being a double-walled portion of the membrane that extends in a circle near the periphery of the membrane to form a bladder that is inflatable to tension the membrane.

[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 4,755,819 issued on Jul. 5, 1988, to Marco C. Bernasconi et al. describes a parabolically-shaped reflector antenna intended for space vehicle applications. The device is inflated by a gas in space to form an antenna reflector and an antenna radome stabilized by a rigidizing torus. The covering material is a resin-impregnated fabric which when heated by the sun polymerizes to render the reflector antenna stable and requires no gas pressure to keep its shape.

[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 5,276,600 issued on Jan. 4, 1994, to Takase Mitsuo et al. describes a planar reflector composed of a base and a flexible polymeric plastic substrate having a high reflective silver layer formed thereon and overlayed on the base with an adhesive layer interposed between the two layers.

[0022] U.S. Pat. No. 5,486,984 issued on Jan. 23, 1996, to Jack V. Miller describes a parabolic fiber optic light guide luminaire device comprising an elongated fiber optic light guide having one end accepting light and the opposite end emitting light on a coaxially disposed optical axis near the focus of the paraboloidal reflector.

[0023] U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,667 issued on Nov. 17, 1998, to Glenn Baker et al. describes an electromagnetic radiation source or arc lamp located at a point displaced from the optical axis of a concave toroidal reflecting surface. The target is an optical fiber. A second concave reflector is placed opposite the first reflector to enhance the total flux collected by the small target.

[0024] U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,360 issued on Apr. 13, 1999, to O'Malley O. Stoumen et al. describes an inflatable solar oven comprising two sheets of flexible material sealed at their edges. The top sheet is clear and the bottom sheet has a reflective layer.

[0025] U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,581 issued on Sep. 7, 1999, to Michael L. Schrimmer et al. describes a light-emitting diode (LED) illuminated balloon comprising a gas-impermeable membrane containing gas and a self-contained illuminating LED.

[0026] U.S. Pat. No. 5,967,652 issued on Oct. 19, 1999, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,238,077 issued on May 29, 2001, to David P. Ramer et al. describes an apparatus for projecting electromagnetic radiation with a tailored intensity distribution over a spherical sector.

[0027] U.S. Pat. No. 6,106,135 issued on Aug. 22, 2000, to Robert Zingale et al. describes an inflatable translucent balloon having a light source attached suspended inside and tethered by an AC light source or a fiber optic. The light source can be an internal incandescent lamp, LED, laser, a flashing xenon lamp or a DC battery.

[0028] U.S. Pat. No. 6,150,995 issued on Nov. 21, 2000, to L. Dwight Gilger describes a combined photovoltaic array and a deployable perimeter truss RF reflector.

[0029] U.S. Pat. No. 6,219,009 issued on Apr. 17, 2001, to John Shipley et al. describes a tensioned cord and tie attachment of a collapsible antenna reflector to an inflatable radial truss support structure.

[0030] U.K. Patent Application No. 758,090 published on Sep. 26, 1956, for Charles T. Suchy et al. describes an inflatable balloon having arranged within a radio aerial.

[0031] France Patent Application No. 1.048.681 published on Dec. 23, 1953, for Adnan Tarcici describes a reflector for concentrating solar energy for cooking when camping.

[0032] Japan Patent Application No. 59-97205 published on Jun. 5, 1984, for Yasuo Nagazumi describes a parabolic antenna having an airtight chamber filled with nitrogen and demarcated with a radiating aluminum casing and a heat insulating mirror.

[0033] b. Advantages Thereover

[0034] The instant device is superior to the related art in at least six very significant respects. First, the instant device is superior to the related art as a result of its highly multi-functional, multi-purpose nature. It is noted that both the first and second embodiments of the instant device have numerous electromagnetic and incidental (non-electromagnetic) utilities. In contrast, all related art is significantly more limited with respect to utilities and applications thereof.

[0035] Second, the instant device is superior to the related art as a result of its extremely lightweight and compactly foldable construction, which greatly facilitates portage and storage. As an example, note that a pocket-sized version of the instant device with a mass of approximately 125 grams and measuring only 9.0 cm by 12.0 cm by 1.0 cm when fully collapsed can be inflated to yield a fully deployed device having a 120 cm diameter primary reflector providing 1000 watts of highly concentrated broad-spectrum radiant energy when utilized terrestrially as a solar concentrator device. It is noted that such a device can thus provide an unprecedented mass-specific power output approximating 8000 watts per kilogram.

[0036] Third, the instant device is superior to the related art as a result of its precisely pre-formed reflective membranes and other optional features, which greatly increase the operational safety of the device. More specifically, the use of pre-formed parabolic reflective membranes (instead of planar membranes as generally used in related art) allows the device to have (and can limit the device to) relatively short focal lengths, thereby enabling the user to maintain greater control over the location of any potentially dangerous, high concentrations of radiant energy.

[0037] In addition, the use of pre-formed, non-parabolic reflective membranes may be used to limit the degree of energy concentration to safer levels. Furthermore, the use of optional integral safety cages and covers reduces the risk of accidental exposure to high concentrations of electromagnetic radiation.

[0038] Fourth, the instant device is superior to the related art in that it is easier to deploy (inflate) as a result of its pre-formed reflective membranes. Note that by using pre-formed reflective membranes, such reflective membranes can be fully deployed using significantly less differential pressure across the membranes, thereby facilitating proper inflation.

[0039] Fifth, the first embodiment of the instant device is more efficient in that it eliminates a plurality of losses inherent in the super-ambient reflector chamber designs of the related art. Note that by employing a sub-ambient pressure reflector chamber in the first embodiment of the instant device, sunlight or other electromagnetic radiation can travel, unobstructed, from the energy source to the reflector and then to the target. Accordingly, the first embodiment of the instant device causes no (zero) losses of radiant electromagnetic energy as such energy travels to and from the reflector. In contrast, in the related art, sunlight or other electromagnetic radiation must pass through the transparent membrane of the super-ambient reflector chamber on its way to and from the reflector, thereby resulting in a plurality of losses. These losses include the reflection, absorption, and diffusion of electromagnetic radiation as it travels to and from the reflector.

[0040] In greater detail, as light travels to the reflector, some of the light is reflected by the outer surface of the transparent membrane, through which the light must pass on its way to the reflector. As the remaining light travels through the thickness of the transparent membrane, additional energy is absorbed and/or diffused as a result of molecular interaction. Next, as the remaining light reaches the interior surface of the transparent membrane, additional light is reflected back through the membrane because of a difference between the indices of refraction of the transparent membrane and the gas (typically air) inside the reflector chamber. These three processes are repeated for light that has been reflected off the mirror, thus resulting in a total of six significant transmission losses. Furthermore, light which does manage to successfully pass through the transparent membrane is still subject to unwanted diffusion or dispersion due to the optically imperfect surfaces of the transparent membrane. Ultimately, the transparent membranes of the super-ambient reflector chambers of the related art are typically responsible for reducing the efficiency of such devices by twenty percent, or more.

[0041] Sixth, the instant device is superior to the related art as a result of its extremely simple, highly integrated structure, which makes the device very economical. Note that the designs specified in the related art do not demonstrate the high degree of integration and resulting simplicity of construction that is specified herein for the instant device. Also note that the relative simplicity of the instant device is due, in part, to the fact that its reflective membranes can be deformed into precise concave parabolic surfaces using only the surrounding ambient pressure (and partial evacuation of the reflector chamber) to concavely deform its reflective membranes. In contrast, related art relies on complex mechanical arrangements or electrostatic systems to concavely deform the reflective membranes.

[0042] As one reads subsequent sections of this document, it will become quite clear that the first and second embodiments of the instant device are also superior to the related art in a variety of other ways including, among other items, various methods of manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0043] The invention is a portable, multifunction, multipurpose, inflatable parabolic reflector device (apparatus) made from pressure-deformable membranes, of which at least one is reflective, supported by an inflatable ring for focusing electromagnetic energy from radio frequency (RF) radiation through ultraviolet (UV) radiation including broad-spectrum solar energy for (1) heating and cooking, for (2) generating thermal and electrical power, for (3) enhancing the transmission and reception of radio signals, for (4) enhancing vision in low-light environments, and for (5) the projection of optical signals and images. The multifunctional device also offers numerous non-electromagnetic functions such as (1) the collecting and storage of water, (2) use as a water flotation device, (3) use as a gurney or cast, (4) use as a portable fermentor apparatus, and (5) the directional amplification of sound.

[0044] A first main embodiment utilizes two pressure-deformable membranes, at least one of which is reflective, to form a central reflector chamber, which can be inflated to either sub-ambient (preferred) or super-ambient pressures to deploy the reflective membranes. A second main embodiment utilizes at least one reflective membrane and at least one transparent membrane to form a central reflector chamber, which can be inflated only to super-ambient pressures. Both embodiments employ reflective membranes which are pre-formed into the shape of a paraboloid to enhance safety and facilitate operation. However, the use of non-preformed, i.e. planar, reflective membranes is contemplated to enable a variable focal length. Furthermore, the use of pre-formed, non-parabolic, i.e. spherical, undulating, or series of conic sections, reflective membranes is contemplated to limit the maximum degree of concentration to further enhance safety.

[0045] Specific portable devices and apparatuses are shown for both main embodiments which further facilitate or enable a wide range of useful applications such as (1) the concentration and collection of broad-spectrum solar energy for cooking, heating, distillation, and power generation, (2) the reception and transmission of radio signals, (3) the illumination of interior, subterranean, and underwater environments, (4) the collection and storage of water or other liquids, (5) the directional amplification of sound. Fabrication processes are disclosed for forming the products with multiple pressure-deformable membranes.

[0046] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a highly portable, multi-function, multi-purpose apparatus and fabrication methods thereof, which is optimized for use as a parabolic reflector to focus electromagnetic energy from radio frequency radiation (RF) through ultraviolet radiation (UV) including solar radiation, but which can also be used for numerous other electromagnetic and non-electromagnetic utilities. Regarding the multi-functional nature of this invention, specific objects and advantages of this invention are:

[0047] (a) to provide a highly portable multifunction apparatus for concentrating broad-spectrum (i.e. solar) radiation for cooking, heating, sterilizing, distilling, material processing, and for other purposes requiring or benefiting from the application of radiant heat, which may optionally utilize various accoutrements specially configured for absorbing concentrated solar radiation including, for example, a solar oven or autoclave having a high emissivity (generally blackened) energy absorbing external surface.

[0048] (b) to provide a portable multifunction apparatus for generating electrical power utilizing turboelectric, thermoelectric, and/or photoelectric devices,

[0049] (c) to provide a portable multifunction apparatus which can be utilized to concentrate light radiating from a relatively dim source, such as a street lamp, to operate (or recharge) an otherwise inoperable, low powered, photovoltaic device, such as a handheld calculator,

[0050] (d) to provide a portable multifunction apparatus which can be used for enhancing or enabling radio, microwave, and satellite communications as well as enabling radio-telescopy,

[0051] (e) to provide a portable multifunction apparatus for enhancing vision in darkened environments by concentrating visible light radiating from a dim source, such as a crescent moon, onto an object to be viewed,

[0052] (f) to provide a portable multifunction apparatus for enhancing vision in darkened environments by projecting light from non-collimated sources, such as a candle, into dark environments,

[0053] (g) to provide a highly portable multifunction apparatus for enabling or enhancing optical signal communications, such as when used with a non-collimated light source held at the focal point to form a signal beacon.

[0054] (h) to provide a portable multifunction apparatus employing a waveguide system to capture and deliver panchromatic visible light (or other useful spectral range of radiation) to interior, subterranean, and underwater environments to enhance vision, or to operate equipment such as an optical image projector,

[0055] (i) to provide a portable multifunction apparatus which can serve as a multi-layer emergency thermal blanket as well as an electrostatic and electromagnetic energy shield to protect a person or object, but which also allows a person or object to hide from an infrared (IR) camera or otherwise be shielded from an electromagnetic imaging or detection device,

[0056] (j) to provide a portable multifunction apparatus which can serve as a soft, compliant support for persons or objects, including use as a gurney or inflatable cast.

[0057] (k) to provide a portable multifunction apparatus which can be used as a water flotation device, boat, or snow sled,

[0058] (l) to provide a portable multifunction apparatus which can be used to capture, store, process, and distribute water, other liquids, and certain solid materials, for which various accoutrement (such as catchment rings, gutters, funnels, filters, tubes, valves, pumps, and the like) can be either integrally or removably incorporated into the apparatus.

[0059] (m) to provide a portable multifunction apparatus incorporating a matte black high emissivity surface which can be used to collect water at night by condensation processes.

[0060] (n) to provide a portable multifunction apparatus which can be used a fermentor, which in conjunction with the distillation function noted above, allows the apparatus to produce high grade spirits for fuel, medical and other purposes,

[0061] (o) to provide a portable multifunction apparatus for the directional amplification of sound, and

[0062] (p) to provide a portable multifunction apparatus optionally incorporating one ore more pressure-deformable, planar, reflective membranes to allow the device to have a variable focal length.

[0063] Another object of the invention is to provide a multifunction apparatus which is extremely lightweight, fully collapsible, and compactly foldable so as to greatly facilitate portage and storage, thereby providing a high performance apparatus which is ideally suited to camping, backpacking, picnicking, boating, emergency use, disaster relief, and other situations (terrestrial or space-based) for which high mass-specific and/or high volume-specific performance is critical. Regarding portage and storage, specific objects of this invention are:

[0064] (a) to provide a multifunctional apparatus having a primary structure comprised entirely of very thin, high-strength membranes to minimize weight,

[0065] (b) to provide a multi-functional apparatus which is inflatable (rigidizable and otherwise fully deployable) by using pressurized gas which generally need not be carried with the device,

[0066] (c) to provide a multi-functional apparatus which is fully collapsible and compactly foldable when not in use to minimize volume,

[0067] (d) to provide a multi-functional apparatus which due to its extremely low weight and stored (non-deployed) volume yields very high mass-specific and volume-specific performance approximating 8000 watts per kilogram and 10 megawatts per cubic meter, respectively, when used terrestrially as a broad-spectrum solar concentrator, and

[0068] (e) to provide a multifunctional device with extremely lightweight and compact inflation valves made from membranous material and including a “zip-lock”, clamped or tied, or self-sealing type closure mechanisms.

[0069] Still another object of the invention is to provide a multifunctional apparatus which is safer to operate, transport, and store. Regarding safety, specific objects of this invention are:

[0070] (a) to provide a portable multifunctional apparatus having an integral safety cage which forms a physical barrier around the focal point, thereby preventing accidental exposure to potentially dangerous concentrations of electromagnetic radiation,

[0071] (b) to provide a portable multifunctional apparatus having an integral safety cover to block radiation from striking the reflective membranes when the device is not in use, thereby preventing the formation of—and thus the risk of accidental exposure to—potentially dangerous concentrations of electromagnetic radiation at the focal point,

[0072] (c) to provide a portable multifunctional apparatus having an integral reflector wrinkling mechanism for distorting the reflective membranes when not fully deployed (pressurized), thereby once again preventing the formation of any unintentional, potentially dangerous concentrations of electromagnetic energy.

[0073] (d) to provide a portable multifunctional apparatus having pre-formed parabolic reflective membranes, which limit the device to short focal lengths, thereby enhancing safety by giving the operator greater control of the location of the highly concentrated energy at the focal point, and

[0074] (e) to provide a portable multifunctional apparatus having a pre-formed, non-parabolic reflective membranes to limit the degree of energy concentration to safer levels.

[0075] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a portable multifunctional apparatus that is easier to deploy and operate. Regarding ease of use, specific objects of this invention are:

[0076] (a) to provide an apparatus having various integral securing and storage features such as handles, apertured tabs, ties, weighting and storage pouches (especially those which are lightweight, compact, and can be made from extensions of the membranes out of which the device is composed),

[0077] (b) to provide an apparatus having various integral accessory hardware attachment devices such as clevises, clips, brackets, sockets, hook and loop patches, and other common fasten mechanisms,

[0078] (c) to provide an apparatus having various lightweight, portable mechanisms for supporting and orienting the device including an inflatable, adjustable dipody support, a stack of inflatable tapered support/leveling rings, and an inflatable hemispherical mounting element with a separate optional inflatable (floating) support ring,

[0079] (d) to provide an apparatus having lightweight, portable mechanisms for holding various items and/or accoutrements at or near the focal point including a collapsible, multipurpose rotisserie/kettle support, a collapsible multi-leg focal point support, and/or an inflatable focal point support,

[0080] (e) to provide an apparatus having pre-formed pressure deformable reflective membranes, which can be fully deployed using significantly lower differential pressures across the membranes than devices employing planar reflective membranes, thus facilitating proper inflation,

[0081] (f) to provide an apparatus having integral orientation and alignment features, such as a visual alignment guide, inclinometer, level, and magnetic compass, to facilitate alignment with an electromagnetic source and/or target, or for orienting the device for other purposes.

[0082] (g) to provide an apparatus having a light/heat intensity controller such as a louver or iris mechanism which is manually or automatically controlled, and

[0083] (h) to provide an apparatus having various integrally or separately attached electronic and/or mechanical elements to facilitate various applications including but not limited to photovoltaic cells, electric pumps, fans, drivers, timers, thermostats, controllers, and other useful devices.

[0084] Still another object of the invention is to provide a portable multifunctional apparatus that is more efficient, wherein two pressure deformable membranes are utilized to form a sub-ambient concave-concave reflector chamber configuration, thereby eliminating the plurality of losses inherent in devices employing a super-ambient reflector chamber for which light must pass though a transparent membrane at least once on its way to or from the focal point.

[0085] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a portable multifunctional apparatus which is highly economical by virtue of its extremely simple, highly integrated construction, and which can thus be made universally available for both routine use as well as educational purposes. Regarding economy, specific objects of this invention are:

[0086] (a) to provide an apparatus (first and second main embodiment) made from a plurality (generally four or more) of sheets of thin, high strength, high elastic modulus (preferably) material using a flat pattern fabrication method that greatly simplifies manufacturing tooling and processing, thereby reducing fabrication cost, and

[0087] (b) to provide an apparatus (second embodiment) which can be fabricated from as few as two thin sheets of high strength, commercially available materials using simple, well-established manufacturing processes.

[0088] Still another object of the invention is to provide a portable multifunctional apparatus that is highly drop tolerant or otherwise damage tolerant. Regarding drop/damage tolerance, specific objects of this invention are:

[0089] (a) to provide an apparatus having one ore more redundant reflector chambers such that if one reflector chamber is damaged, the device is still operable, and

[0090] (b) to provide an apparatus constructed primarily of highly flexible materials such that the apparatus can be dropped intentionally (i.e. air dropped) or unintentionally (i.e. accidentally) yet sustain no appreciable damage.

[0091] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a portable multifunctional apparatus that is environmentally friendly by virtue of the fact the that the apparatus requires no fuel to operate. Instead, the instant invention relies solely on radiating solar energy, thereby causing no air, water, or ground pollution, which is in stark contrast to other common portable cooking and heating equipment that generally rely on the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels and thus inherently cause pollution through both combustion processes and fuel spills.

[0092] It is a further object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

[0093] These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0094]FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a first main sub-ambient embodiment of an inflatable support having two pressure-deformable membrane devices with the frontal membrane and the rear membrane having concave reflective surfaces.

[0095]FIG. 2 is a schematic diametric elevational cross-sectional view of the first main sub-ambient embodiment depicting the inflatable support with two internal pressure-deformable membranes shown in shadow having reflective surfaces.

[0096]FIG. 3A is a schematic diametric elevational cross-sectional view of the first main sub-ambient embodiment having a reflector surface with a slightly inflated membrane portion forming a focal point having a shortened distance as an example of the operation of adjusting the focal length to the device.

[0097]FIG. 3B is a schematic diametric elevational cross-sectional view of the first main sub-ambient embodiment having a reflector surface with a greater inflation of the membrane portion forming a focal point having a longer distance.

[0098]FIG. 4 is a schematic diametric elevational cross-sectional view of the first main sub-ambient embodiment having a pressure-deformable device having two reflective outer membranes and a non-reflective center membrane serving to form a redundant reflector chamber.

[0099]FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the first main sub-ambient embodiment device having an inflatable support with additional optional securing and storage elements. The optional peripheral elements are also available for the second embodiment device.

[0100]FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an integral plastic plug valve.

[0101]FIG. 7A is a schematic partial top plan view of a ziplock-type valve.

[0102]FIG. 7B is a schematic partial top plan view of a clamp or tie closure for a valve.

[0103]FIG. 8 is a schematic side elevational cross-sectional view of attachment devices such as a clevis, clip, bracket, mounting stud, hook and loop fastening patches, and including an antenna anchored in a socket centered in the frontal membrane for the first main embodiment device.

[0104]FIG. 9 is a schematic side elevational cross-sectional view of the first embodiment device employing air-tight square, circular or rectangular covers which have a flexible hinge for the front membrane and for the ring support for adding water, rocks or sand as weight or chlorine to the water.

[0105]FIG. 10 is a schematic side elevational cross-sectional view of the first embodiment device modified with a funnel centered in the frontal membrane to collect falling materials, such as rain water, which collect within the cavity between membranes.

[0106]FIG. 11 is a schematic side elevational cross-sectional view of the first embodiment device for collecting rainwater including a collecting funnel, a drainage tube and a collection vessel.

[0107]FIG. 12 is a schematic side elevational cross-sectional view of the first embodiment device for collecting and holding materials, such as water. Another water collection ring of a smaller size is connected to the main support ring with optional air passage ports between rings.

[0108]FIG. 13 is a schematic side elevational cross-sectional view of the first embodiment device for collecting precipitation or condensed water and provided with a peripheral gutter, a drain and a water collection tank.

[0109]FIG. 14A is a schematic top plan view of the first embodiment device modified with either stretched radial or continuous stretched circular (dashed) elastic bands included in the internal surfaces of both membranes to cause wrinkling or distortion of the reflector surfaces as a safety feature when the device is not being used.

[0110]FIG. 14B is a schematic partial cross-sectional elevational view of the elastic band secured at spaced points by a securing plastic band attached to a membrane.

[0111]FIG. 15 is a schematic side elevational cross-sectional view of the first embodiment device having a rollable circular and opaque safety cover which can be deployed when the device is not in use.

[0112]FIG. 16 is a schematic top plan view of the first embodiment device modified with a centered transparent patched region of both membranes with each membrane having an aligned pair of cross-hair configured member surrounding the centered valve. The support also has a transparent patch with an aligned pair of cross-hair configured members. These features enable the alignment of the device with the electromagnetic source.

[0113]FIG. 17 is a schematic elevational view of the first embodiment device modified to form a reception apparatus.

[0114]FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view of the inclined first embodiment device being supported in the rear by a pair of inflatable support tubes which have compartments for controlling the supporting length of each tube. The support tubes are further stabilized by weight fillable pouches at their bottoms and tension cables for attachment to each other and to the base of the device.

[0115]FIG. 19A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the initial flat pattern of an uninflated first embodiment device showing preferred bonding regions.

[0116]FIG. 19B is a schematic side elevational cross-sectional view of the first embodiment device of FIG. 19A device with the reflective membranes in an inflated condition.

[0117]FIG. 20 is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of the first embodiment device employed to concentrate an auditory chirp made by a bird with the aid of an optional microphone system or by the naked ear.

[0118]FIG. 21 is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of the first embodiment device employed as an electromagnetic energy shield for protection from either a leaking microwave oven or from a cathode ray tube device.

[0119]FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view of the first embodiment device employed as an emergency thermal bed or blanket. The flexible device can be draped over or wrapped around the person.

[0120]FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view of the first embodiment device employed with a waveguide intake device, a fiber optic cable and either an optical image projector or a slide projector.

[0121]FIG. 24 is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of a transparent sphere in space utilized as part of a radio telescope system having the first embodiment device fixed inside on one side with an antenna also positioned in the center by attachment cables or rods to accept radio frequency and microwave radiation in a super-ambient interior pressure chamber.

[0122]FIG. 25 is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of the first embodiment device utilized to reflect the light from a sodium vapor street lamp to operate or recharge a low-power photo-electric device such as a calculator.

[0123]FIG. 26 is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of the first embodiment device utilized to produce illumination in the form of pan-chromatic light for divers by transmitting solar radiation through a waveguide light intake device to an fiber optical cable to the diver's lamp.

[0124]FIG. 27i s a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of the first embodiment device utilized to produce interior illumination from solar radiation to a fiber optic cable system to interior lamps in the building or shelter.

[0125]FIG. 28 is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of the first embodiment device utilized with a burning candle at its focal point to illuminate a distant object or area in a dark environment such as for reading a book.

[0126]FIG. 29 is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of the first embodiment device utilized with the aid of a crescent moon to capture and concentrate lunar radiation to read a book or other materials such as compass or a map.

[0127]FIG. 30 is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of the first embodiment device utilized with a low-powered light source such as a flashlight to communicate by bursts of light signals focused on a distant tree observed by another person.

[0128]FIG. 31 is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of the first embodiment device utilized as a parabolic radio frequency (RF) or a microwave transmitter/receiver device by adding a centered antenna mounted along the device's focus to receive signals from a transmitter station out of normal range.

[0129]FIG. 32 is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of the first embodiment device utilized to heat an elevated and blackened water tank.

[0130]FIG. 33 is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of the first embodiment device as either a single device or multiple devices utilized to reflect radiant energy from a camp fire, fireplace or the sun onto a person not at the focal point for warmth or survival during cold weather.

[0131]FIG. 34 is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of the first embodiment device utilized to ignite a combustible material such as paper, wood and the like from solar radiation.

[0132]FIG. 35 is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of the first embodiment device utilized to energize a photovoltaic cell device by solar radiation.

[0133]FIG. 36 is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of the first embodiment device utilized to energize a thermoelectric cell device by solar radiation for electrical transmission.

[0134]FIG. 37 is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of the first embodiment device utilized to heat by solar radiation a liquid such as water in a blackened tank to form steam from a water influent to energize a steam turbine.

[0135]FIG. 38 is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of the first embodiment device utilized to heat by solar radiation a thermal reaction vessel blackened externally for producing materials in industry.

[0136]FIG. 39A is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of the first embodiment device utilized to distill liquids by solar radiation, showing a blackened tank or a pressure-pot containing the starting liquid and connected by a conduit to a condensation coil and to a distillate collection vessel.

[0137]FIG. 39B is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of the first embodiment device used as a fermentor apparatus.

[0138]FIG. 40 is a schematic perspective view of the first embodiment device utilized to form a combination rotisserie and a ridged or notched kettle support formed by four arcuate rods to obtain heat from solar radiation.

[0139]FIG. 41 is a schematic perspective view of the first embodiment device utilized to form a deployable and retractable safety cage for protection from high energy concentrations strikes by adding a plurality of rigid metal or plastic semicircular support legs attached at their ends to a pair of diametrical pin joints on the device and held stable by four flexible metal or plastic cables.

[0140]FIG. 42 is a schematic elevational view of the first embodiment device utilized to form a multiple leg support anchored to it to support any device or material at or near the focal point such as an electromagnetic radiation device which is connected to an electric cord to a receiver device.

[0141]FIG. 43 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first embodiment device utilizing a first valve for the support ring and a second reflector chamber valve with its conduit passing through the support ring into the chamber between the reflector membranes.

[0142]FIG. 44 is a perspective view of one method of construction of the support ring by tapered gores which are heat-welded or adhesively bonded together. The reflector chamber has been omitted for clarity.

[0143]FIG. 45A is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of a first species of the first embodiment device in the inflated state with two reflective membranes and a torus made from two annular sheets with valves for each portion.

[0144]FIG. 45B is a schematic cross sectional view of the FIG. 45A species in a first subspecies flat pattern made by combining two circular polyethylene terephthalate sheets coated with a metallic reflecting material and four annular sheets. The reflective membranes are confined within the support ring.

[0145]FIG. 45C is a schematic cross sectional view of the FIG. 45A species in a second subspecies flat pattern combining two outer circular reflective membranes with two internal annular non-reflective sheets resulting in reflective membranes encompassing the entire device.

[0146]FIG. 46A is a schematic side elevational cross-sectional view of a second species of the first embodiment device, wherein a four-sheet annular support structure and a pair of reflective membranes are formed from a flat pattern shown equipped with two valves.

[0147]FIG. 46B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the FIG. 46A second species in a first subspecies, six-sheet flat pattern, wherein the two circular and planar inner reflective layers are bonded to an outer non-reflective ring layer which is doubled inside on the inner edge.

[0148]FIG. 46C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the FIG. 46A second species in a second subspecies, four-sheet flat pattern, wherein the two circular reflector membrane layers are bonded to the two ring layers to form a planar surface, with bonding of the outside ring layers and bonding of the doubled inside ring support layers.

[0149]FIG. 46D is a schematic cross-sectional view of the FIG. 46A second species in a third subspecies four-sheet flat pattern, wherein the two circular reflector membrane layers are bonded together at their peripheral edges, and bonded inside a pair of annular membranes support layers to form a ring support having an inside surface of the reflector layer.

[0150]FIG. 47A is a schematic side elevational cross-sectional view of a third species of the first embodiment device, wherein six sheets are utilized to form the ring support and the two reflective membranes shown in an inflated condition.

[0151]FIG. 47B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the FIG. 47A third species in a first subspecies flat pattern having inner, middle, and outer annular membrane sections.

[0152]FIG. 47C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the FIG. 47A third species in a second subspecies flat pattern having the two membranes form part of the support ring.

[0153]FIG. 47D is a schematic cross-sectional view of the FIG. 47A third species in a third subspecies flat pattern wherein the support ring middle layers are an extension of the reflective membrane.

[0154]FIG. 47E is a schematic cross-sectional view of the FIG. 47C third species in a fourth subspecies flat pattern modifying the outside end of the support structure to add two more sheets in the support ring structure to form an eight-sheet overall structure (as exemplary of adding the end structure to each of the FIGS. 47B-D fourth species).

[0155]FIG. 48A is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of a preferred fourth species of the first embodiment device in the fully preformed or inflated state of two membrane sheets and two sheets for a support ring.

[0156]FIG. 48B is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of the FIG. 48A fourth species in a first subspecies having four sheets with partially pre-formed reflector membranes and an annular support.

[0157]FIG. 48C is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of the FIG. 48A fourth species in a second subspecies having four sheets with two pre-formed reflective membranes and two biased preformed annular membranes.

[0158]FIG. 48D is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of the FIG. 48A fourth species in a third subspecies having four sheets with two pre-formed reflective membranes and a ring support.

[0159]FIG. 49A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fourth subspecies.

[0160]FIG. 49B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fifth subspecies.

[0161]FIG. 49C is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sixth subspecies.

[0162]FIG. 49D is a schematic cross-sectional view of a seventh subspecies.

[0163]FIG. 49E is a schematic cross-sectional view of an eighth subspecies.

[0164]FIG. 49F is a schematic cross-sectional view of a ninth subspecies.

[0165]FIG. 49G is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tenth subspecies.

[0166]FIG. 49H is a schematic cross-sectional view of an eleventh subspecies.

[0167]FIG. 49I is a schematic cross-sectional view of a twelfth subspecies.

[0168]FIG. 49J is a schematic cross-sectional view of a thirteenth subspecies.

[0169]FIG. 49K is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fourteenth subspecies.

[0170]FIG. 49L is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fifteenth subspecies.

[0171]FIG. 50A is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of a second main super-ambient embodiment.

[0172]FIG. 50B is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of the second main super-ambient embodiment.

[0173]FIG. 51 is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of the first species of the second embodiment.

[0174]FIG. 52 is a schematic elevational side cross-sectional view of a second species of the second main super-ambient embodiment.

[0175]FIG. 53 is a schematic elevational side cross-sectional view of a third species of the second main super-ambient embodiment.

[0176]FIG. 54 is a schematic elevational side cross-sectional view of a fourth species of the second main embodiment.

[0177]FIG. 55 is a schematic elevational side cross-sectional view of a fifth species of the second main embodiment.

[0178]FIG. 56 is a schematic elevational side cross-sectional view of a sixth species of the second main embodiment.

[0179]FIG. 57A is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the FIG. 52 embodiment as a first subspecies of the second species of the second embodiment.

[0180]FIG. 57B is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a second subspecies of the second species of the second embodiment.

[0181]FIG. 57C is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a third subspecies of the second embodiment.

[0182]FIG. 57D is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a fourth subspecies of the second embodiment.

[0183]FIG. 57E is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a fifth subspecies of the second embodiment.

[0184]FIG. 57F is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a sixth subspecies of the second embodiment.

[0185]FIG. 57G is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a seventh subspecies of the second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0186] The basic device is a radiant electromagnetic energy concentrating, focusing, and beaming type apparatus which manipulates radiant energy through the implementation of at least two pressure deformable membranes, at least one of which must be reflective, supported by an inflated toroid or ring. The device is effective over a wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum from radio frequency (RF) through the ultraviolet (UV). It should be noted that this highly multifunctional device is also amenable to numerous non-electromagnetic applications.

[0187] A first preferred main embodiment of the basic device illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 49L has at least one reflective membrane which is part of an inflatable pressure envelope (reflector chamber) inflated to a sub-ambient pressure to form a concave-concave reflector configuration supported by an inflatable toroid or ring, and has an effective efficiency exceeding 90% and the ability to concentrate sunlight by factors in excess of 10,000. The second main embodiment of the basic device illustrated in FIGS. 50A through FIG. 57G has at least one reflective membrane and at least one transparent membrane l comprising a pressure envelope (reflector chamber) which are inflated to a super ambient pressure to form a convex-convex lens configuration supported by an inflatable ring. This embodiment has an effective efficiency of 75-85%. The fabrication of the membranes and ring supports by joining different numbers of pieces is illustrated for both main embodiments. It should be noted that both main embodiments of the device can be fabricated from commercially available materials using well-established manufacturing processes. Further, most of the various applications shown for the first main embodiment also apply to the second main embodiment.

[0188] In FIGS. 1 and 2 the first main embodiment 10 having only reflective membranes is illustrated as a toroid or ring support element 12 having a circular cross-section and supporting an upper frontal elastic reflecting membrane 14 and a lower rear redundant elastic reflecting membrane 16. The figures show that the support element 12 is circular. However, it is noted that the invention can be practiced using other types of supports including those having cross-sectional shapes of a hexagon, square, rectangle, ellipse, and others. The membrane 14 has a centered inflation valve 18. The inflatable toroidal support structure 12 also has a gas valve 18 for inflation to form a rigid ring (two valves are shown for separate inflation of the ring support and the center reflector chambers).

[0189] The reflective membranes 14 and 16 are pre-formed (during fabrication) into the shape of a paraboloid to provide a short focal length for safety purposes, and to reduce the differential pressure required to fully deform and smooth the reflective membranes 14 and 16. However, as shown below, the invention can be practiced using planar (non-pre-formed) membranes to yield a device capable of providing a variable focal length as a function of the differential pressure imposed across the reflective membranes 14 and 16.

[0190] The reflective membranes 14 and 16 in conjunction with the inner portion of the toroidal support structure provide a reflector chamber 20 with a double parabolic concave-concave reflector configuration. Seams 22 are shown for forming the toroid 12 as one example of forming the toroid. The membranes 14, 16 are adhesively or heat bonded to the toroid 12. Alternatively, as shown below, a reflective membrane and the toroid elements can be one-piece on each side. The membranes 14, 16 are made from Mylar®, a polyethylene terephthalate plastic composition. Reflective surfaces 24 are provided by coating the outer side of the membranes 14, 16 with vapor deposited aluminum and the like reflective material. The plastic reflective membranes can have reflective particles homogeneously incorporated or can contain an integral conductive wire or mesh.

[0191] The toroid 12 is made from thin sheets of a high-strain-capable material (i.e. a material having high strength and low elastic modulus) such as vinyl, which is necessary for allowing the inner potion of a toroid fabricated from flat annular sheets to strain (stretch) sufficiently so as not to impede full inflation of the toroid ring structure.

[0192] As seen depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the adjustment of the focal point 26 of the solar radiation 28 is illustrated by increasing the inflation pressure within the reflector chamber 20 to increase the focal distance 30.

[0193]FIG. 5 shows the appendages which can be added to the toroid 12 to implement a stable position and to attach other elements. A pair of handles 32 are positioned diametrically on the sides of the toroid 12. An apertured tab 34 is provided on a side equidistantly between the handles 32 for hanging up when in storage or the like. A pair of hanging straps 36 are attached on either side of the apertured tab 34. A storage pouch 38 is provided for storing the deflated and folded apparatus 10. A pair of bottom pouches 40 is provided for filling with dense material to stabilize an upright apparatus 10.

[0194]FIG. 6 illustrates a flexible plug valve 42 having an integrated plug 44 on the toroid 12 as exemplary of the valve for also the reflecting membrane 14. It is noted that these valves can be low profile valves and can be threaded to increase the integrity of the seal. FIG. 7A depicts a ziplock-type valve 46 with the conventional ziplock portion 48 on the toroid 12. FIG. 7B shows a valve 50 clamped to close by either a clamp or tie 52.

[0195]FIG. 8 depicts various attachment devices on the first main apparatus embodiment 10 such as a clevis, shackle, clip or 5 bracket 54 for tying a line support 56, and hook and loop fastening patches 58 and a mounting stud 60 for attaching other elements. A centered socket 62 is shown to insert an antenna 64 in the upper frontal reflecting membrane 14.

[0196]FIG. 9 shows a different usage for the first embodiment apparatus 10 modified to form apparatus 66 by adding four (or any other number) ports to carry water or to add weights. The internal ports 68 in the toroid 12 abutting the reflector chamber 20 allow water to flow from the toroid 12 into the reflector chamber 20. Larger loading covers 70 on the toroid 12 and on the upper membrane 14 are shaped either as squares, rectangles or circles, hinged at 72, and fastened shut by peripheral hook and loop fasteners 58 (or any other type of fasteners).

[0197]FIG. 10 depicts a rain collecting apparatus 74 having a centered outlet duct 76, i.e. a modified valve and/or membrane shaped like a funnel to facilitate draining, in the upper membrane 14 passing rain effluent 78 to the reflector chamber 20.

[0198]FIG. 11 shows a modified rain collecting apparatus 80, wherein the centered funnel 82 passes through the lower membrane 16 to a conduit 84 and a collection container 86. This configuration allows the device to be rapidly converted between various modes of operation, i.e. between rain collecting and cooking. It should be noted that this configuration can be implemented by the user by connecting an opposing pair of funnels/valves contained in the opposing reflective membranes 14 and 16. In the event it is necessary to increase the volume of the apparatus for rain collecting (or any other purpose described in the instant application), additional rings 12 may be used to increase the height of the walls.

[0199]FIG. 12 illustrates the collection of rain water or other liquids in the apparatus 88 which has an additional inflated collection ring 90 having a generally, but not necessarily, smaller diameter which is inflated and attached on top of the toroid 12. The ring 90 thus increases the water collection volume. It reduces the losses due to impact splatter and reduces spillage, especially if positioned on an inclined surface (hill) or moving surface (deck of a rocking boat).

[0200] The major diameter of the collection ring 90 can be enlarged to increase the effective capture area. In the event it is necessary to increase the external volume of the apparatus for liquid collecting (or any other purpose described in the instant application, such as supporting an item at the focal point on a rod diametrically spanning the ring 90), additional collection rings 90 may be attached to the device to increase the height of the walls. In the event it is necessary to increase the internal volume of the apparatus for liquid storage, additional toroid support structure rings 12 may be incorporated into the device between the reflective membranes 14, 16.

[0201]FIG. 13 shows the apparatus 92 collecting water 94 in a peripheral gutter 96 and draining the water into a collection container 86 via a conduit 84. It should be noted that the peripheral gutter 96 can be located at the outer edge of the toroid 12, and that it can be fabricated from extensions of the membranes comprising the toroid 12.

[0202]FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate the addition of several circular elastic bands 98 such as rubber to the membranes 14, 16 as a safety factor to prevent the apparatus 100 from creating potentially dangerous concentrations of energy by distorting the surface. FIG. 14B shows the elastic band 98 being secured within the reflector chamber by spaced plastic strips 102, which are thermally or otherwise bonded to the inner surface of the reflective membrane.

[0203]FIG. 15 depicts an apparatus 104 having a circular plastic cover 106 capable of being rolled up to the attachment point 108 on the toroid 12. Cover 106 may optionally have hook and loop patches to allow it to be held in either rolled or deployed condition. The purpose of the cover is to protect the mirror and prevent unintentional dangerous concentration of energy when not in use.

[0204]FIG. 16 illustrates an apparatus 110 modified to insert a centered transparent patch 112 in both membranes 14, 16 having a cross-hair configured member 114 as well as another member 114 in the toroid 12 to aid in alignment of the apparatus 110 with an electromagnetic source.

[0205]FIG. 17 shows a satellite dish reception apparatus 116 comprising an inflated base ring 118 which supports a hemispherical mounting and stabilization component element 120 made from gores 122 within which the first main apparatus embodiment 10 is couched. This apparatus 116 may require an accessory receiver (not shown) when used to receive satellite transmissions. It is noted that the reflector may also be made of multiple gores.

[0206] It is also noted that other methods of support include resting the hemispherical mounting in a ground depression, such as that which may be dug in sand, or a plurality of tapered support rings used to incline the device for proper orientation to a source and/or target. The support rings may also serve a levelling function when the device is resting on an inclined surface or hill.

[0207]FIG. 18 depicts an inflatable, height adjustable, dipody support structure 124 for supporting the first main apparatus 10 by two support tubes 126 having inflatable compartments 128 with individual gas inflation valves 18. Thus, these support tubes 126 are adjustable in height for placing on uneven terrain by controlling the amount of air inserted in each compartment of each support tube. The support tubes 126 are tied on top to the top of the inclined apparatus 10 by the hanging straps 36, as shown in FIG. 5, or any other well-known fastening means. The opposite ends of the support tubes 126 have pouches 130 for storing the tubes and/or weighing down the tubes and stabilizing the apparatus 124. A cord 132 is attached to the bottoms of each tube 126 and the apparatus 10 for maintaining position of the apparatus.

[0208]FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate, respectively, the deflated flat pattern 134 of an inflated apparatus 136 having oversized reflective membranes 14, 16 which overlap the toroid 12. The necessary valves will be installed for inflation. This inflated apparatus 136, as many of the other devices of the instant invention, can be used as a water boat or for sliding down a snow covered slope (not shown).

[0209]FIG. 20 shows a first embodiment device 10 utilized to hear a distant sound such a chirping bird 138 by placing one's ear (not shown) at the focal point or having a microphone 140 on a shaft 142 seated in a pocket 144 centered in the frontal reflective membrane 14.

[0210]FIG. 21 depicts a first embodiment device 10 utilized as an electromagnetic energy shield 146 to protect a person 148 (shown in shadow) forced to be in proximity to the dangerous electromagnetic rays 150 escaping from a cathode ray tube containing device such as a computer 152 or a leaking microwave oven 154. This protection is provided regardless of whether the device is inflated.

[0211]FIG. 22 illustrates the first embodiment device 10 employed as an emergency thermal bed or blanket 156 by a person 148 for heating oneself by reflected body heat, thus, conserving body energy. The blanket 156 can be wrapped around the person 148. Again, the achievement of this function does not require that the device be inflated. It is further noted that the device can be used as a gurney or a cast to support injured persons.

[0212]FIG. 23 shows the first embodiment device 10 using solar radiation 28 or lunar radiation to provide illumination for an optical image projector 158 to project images onto a projector screen 160 inside a building 162 by transmitting the solar radiation 28 through a fiber optic cable 164 receiving solar radiation 28 from a waveguide intake device 166 supported by a truss support 168 attached to the device 10.

[0213]FIG. 24 depicts a transparent sphere 170 in outer space 172 including the first embodiment apparatus 10 installed in a super-ambient atmosphere 174 supported by braces 176 to receive radio frequency and microwave radiation 178 from an antenna 180 fixed at the focal point by four cables or rods 182.

[0214]FIG. 25 illustrates a low-power photoelectric device such as a handheld calculator 184 being energized/recharged by reflected radiation from the first embodiment apparatus 10, and received initially from a sodium vapor street lamp 186. The photovoltaic cell of the calculator 184 is placed at the focal point of the apparatus 10.

[0215]FIG. 26 shows the first embodiment apparatus 10 housed on a ship 188 at sea 190 reflecting and concentrating solar radiation 28 into a waveguide intake device 166 and a fiber optic cable 164 to illuminate a lamp 192 underwater for a diver (not shown) to use.

[0216]FIG. 27 depicts the use of the first embodiment apparatus 10 to illuminate rooms 194 in a multi-story building 196 by receiving solar radiation 28 and transmitting the radiation to the waveguide intake device 166, the fiber optic cable 164, and the individual lamps 192. It should be noted that this system can also be applied to underground shelters.

[0217]FIG. 28 illustrates the use of the first embodiment apparatus 10 to focus the illumination from a lit candle 198 to read a book 200 located approximately 45 feet away in the dark.

[0218]FIG. 29 shows the first embodiment apparatus 10 enabling a book 200 to be read by lunar radiation 202 from the crescent moon 204. A compass or a map can also be read by this method.

[0219]FIG. 30 depicts the transmission of light signals from a flashlight 206 manipulated by a first person 208 to project a collimated light image 210 on a distant tree 212 or the like opaque object observed by a second person 214 with knowledge of Morse code. For example, other light sources such as a candle, a match, and a cigarette lighter can be substituted by covering the light source to transmit signals.

[0220]FIG. 31 illustrates the modification of the first embodiment apparatus 10 to form a parabolic radio frequency or a microwave receiver device 216 by adding a centered antenna 218 secured in a centered pocket 144 in the membrane 14 along the apparatuses focal line to receive signals from a transmitter station 220 normally out of range. The device can also be used to extend the range of transmission and to enhance radio communications.

[0221]FIG. 32 shows the first embodiment device 10 heating a building 196 by solar radiation 28 to focus on a blackened tank 222 elevated on a tower 224 and contains either water or air passing through a conduit 226 which passes into the building and returns to the tower for reheating.

[0222]FIG. 33 depicts the use of the first embodiment device 10 as either alone or in concert with a second device 10 to warm a bather 228 from heat radiated from a camp fire 230 during cold weather. It is noted that a conductive mesh for filtering and/or reflecting electromagnetic radiation may be used o the reflective membrane.

[0223]FIG. 34 illustrates the use of the first embodiment device 10 to ignite combustible materials 232 such as paper, wood and the like by solar radiation 28.

[0224]FIG. 35 shows the energization of a photovoltaic cell device 234 by focusing solar radiation 28 by the first embodiment device 10 when the device 234 is placed at the focal point of the first embodiment device 10.

[0225]FIG. 36 depicts the energization of a thermoelectric cell device 236 by focusing solar radiation 28 by the first embodiment device 10. A wire conductor 238 conducts the electricity to any device requiring power.

[0226]FIG. 37 illustrates the use of the first embodiment device 10 to heat by solar radiation 28 an influent liquid 240 such as water from pipe 242 in a blackened tank 244 having a heating liquid medium 246 to create effluent steam 248 in the coil 250 for passage through an effluent pipe 252 to a proximate turbine (not shown) to create electrical power.

[0227]FIG. 38 shows a first embodiment device 10 being used to provide heat by concentrating radiating solar radiation 28 onto a blackened thermal reaction vessel 254 producing an industrial product 256, and supported at a distance on a truss support 168. Piping to transport the reacted product has been omitted. It is noted that the reaction can be operated in a batch or a continuous mode.

[0228]FIG. 39A depicts a first embodiment device 10 being used to distill liquids 258 by utilizing solar radiation 28. The liquid containing flask 260 is attached to a coiled distillation column 262 which is open on top and deposits the condensed liquid via conduit 84 to a collection container 86 as in FIG. 11.

[0229] The device can also be used as a solar autoclave apparatus or a fermentor apparatus. In the former use, the device can be used to sterilize medical, dental, or other equipment. As a fermentor, shown in FIG. 39B, the device has a cover 85 and can have a pressure release valve 87 or an anaerobic air lock.

[0230]FIG. 40 illustrates a first embodiment device 10 incorporated in a cooking apparatus 264 having four attached arcuate rods 266 configured to support a rotisserie device 268. The rods 266 have a series of hooks or serrations 270 for supporting other cooking utensils such as a water kettle 272. The first embodiment device 10 is energized by solar radiation. It is noted that the apparatus can be used as an inflatable rotisserie.

[0231]FIG. 41 shows a first embodiment device 10 utilized to form a deployable and foldable safety cage 274 for protecting oneself from accidental exposure to dangerous concentrations of solar radiation. Safety cage 274 comprises a plurality, e.g., nine, of rigid metal or plastic semicircular support legs 276 attached at their ends to a pair of diametrical pin joints 278 on the device 10, and held stable by a plurality of flexible metal or plastic cables 280 attached to space each support leg 276.

[0232]FIG. 42 depicts a tripod support 282 consisting of rods attached to the three pin joints 278 of the first embodiment device 10, and supporting an electromagnetic radiation receiving device 284 fixed at the focal point. Device 284 is connected by a conducting wire 238 to a receiver indicator device 286.

[0233]FIG. 43 shows a first embodiment device 10 with a first valve 18 for the toroid 12, but modified with an extended second valve 288 passing through the toroid to enter the reflector chamber 20.

[0234]FIG. 44 shows an alternate toroid 290 made from a plurality of gores 122 (FIG. 17) with the reflector membranes omitted.

[0235]FIG. 45A-C depict a first species 292 of the first embodiment device 10 fabricated in a flat pattern from four or six sheets of different plastic layers where the circles represents the seams or bonds 22. In the first subspecies 293 of FIG. 45B consisting of six layers, the toroid 12 is formed from two annular external sheets of high strength, high modulus material 294 such as Mylar®. The inner annular portions 296 of the toroid 12 are positioned when flat inside the reflector chamber 20, and formed from low elastic modulus, high strength materials such as vinyl. Low elastic modulus, high strength materials have the ability to strain (stretch) sufficiently so as not to impede the full inflation of the torus. The circular reflecting membranes 14, 16 forming the reflector chamber 20 are made of Mylar® coated with aluminum, gold and the like. In the second subspecies 295 of FIG. 45C with only four layers, the reflecting membranes 14, 16 are circles and form part of the toroid 12.

[0236] A second species 298 comprises an inflated structure similar to the first species in an arrangement of four or six sheets formed from a flat pattern, as illustrated in FIG. 46A. The inner annular sheets are now inside the flattened toroid region 12. In the first sub-species 300 shown FIG. 46B, six sheets are utilized. In the second and third sub-species 302 and 304 of FIGS. 46C and 46D, respectively, only four sheets are utilized. In the second sub-species 302, the reflector membranes 14, 16 also form the external part of the toroid 12. In the third sub-species 304, the reflector membranes 14, 16, now form the internal part of the toroid 12. These flat layout patterns allow versatility in the amount of reflector surface areas of the device 10 would be best for a certain situation.

[0237] In the third species 306 shown in FIG. 47A, FIGS. 47B-E are based on a six-, eight-, or ten-sheet flat layout pattern. In the first sub-species 308 of FIG. 47B, the toroid 12 is composed of six sheets comprising two outer annular sheets 310, two middle annular sheets 312, and two inner annular sheets 314. The reflecting membranes 14, 16 complete an eight-sheet structure 308. In the second sub-species of FIG. 47C, the reflecting membranes 14, 16 constitute the upper and lower surfaces, respectively, to form a six-sheet flat layout structure 316. FIG. 47D depicts a six-sheet flat layout structure 318 as a third sub-species, wherein the reflective membrane and middle annular sheets are combined. FIG. 47E is a fourth sub-species 320 based on adding two more annular end layers 322 for the toroid portion 12 of any of the aforementioned sub-species, but illustrated as modifying the eight-sheet layout pattern of FIG. 47B to form a ten-sheet layout pattern.

[0238] FIGS. 48A-D depict a fourth species 324 in a fully or partially pre-formed state utilizing only four sheets for all the sub-species. The reflecting membranes 14, 16 are attached to the preformed two-piece toroid element 12. The first subspecies 326 illustrated in FIG. 48B has partially preformed membranes 14 and 16 to result in a limited reflector chamber 20. Also, the toroid 12 has a partially preformed oval configuration 328 in cross-section. The second sub-species 330 of FIG. 48C has a biased preformed toroid element 12 structure having a conical external tip 332 in cross-section. The third subspecies 334 of FIG. 48D has a preformed inner portion of toroid element 12 with a non-preformed or flattened external end 336 in cross-section.

[0239]FIG. 49A is a fourth subspecies 338 illustrating the three-dimensional alternate construction of the first preferred embodiment device 10 with eight sheets to form a support ring or toroid 12 having a hexagonal cross-section 340 with two sheets 14, 16 for the reflecting membranes defining the reflecting chamber 20. These additional subspecies provide a more rigid structure by minimizing membrane buckling, but without the preforming.

[0240]FIG. 49B is a fifth subspecies 342 illustrating the three-dimensional alternate construction of the first embodiment device 10 with five sheets, three of which form a support ring 12 having a triangular cross-section 344.

[0241]FIG. 49C is a sixth subspecies 346 illustrating the three-dimensional alternate construction of the first embodiment device 10 with six sheets, four of which form a support ring 12 with a square or rectangular cross-section 348.

[0242]FIG. 49D is a seventh subspecies 350 illustrating the three-dimensional alternate construction of the first embodiment device 10 with six sheets to form in cross-section a support ring 12 with a four-sided polygon 352 having equal length inclined top and bottom sides, and an external side vertical and parallel to a longer internal side.

[0243]FIG. 49E is an eighth subspecies 354 illustrating the three-dimensional alternate construction of the first embodiment device 10 with seven sheets, five of which form a support ring 12 in cross-section having a pentagon 356 with two equal length inclined outside sheets attached to two horizontal and parallel sides which are attached to a vertical inner sheet.

[0244]FIG. 49F is a ninth subspecies 358 illustrating the three-dimensional alternate construction of the first embodiment device 10 with nine sheets, seven of which form a support ring 12 with a cross-section of a septagon 360 having a triangular-shaped outside configuration, two equal length top and bottom parallel sides, and a vertical inner side.

[0245]FIG. 49G is a tenth subspecies 362 illustrating the three-dimensional alternate construction of the first embodiment device 10 with six sheets, four of which form a support ring 12 with a four-sided polygon 364 in cross-section having an external triangular configuration and an internal triangular configuration, wherein the outside triangle is more conical.

[0246]FIG. 49H is an eleventh subspecies 366 illustrating the three-dimensional alternate construction of the first embodiment device 10 having seven sheets, five of which form in cross-section a support ring 12 having a pentagon 368 with the inside portion being triangular and the outside sheet being perpendicular to the horizontal and parallel top and bottom sheets.

[0247]FIG. 49I is a twelfth subspecies 370 illustrating the three-dimensional alternate construction of the first embodiment device 10 having seven sheets to form a support ring 12 being a pentagon 372 in cross-section with the outer two sheets inclined downward to connect to a vertical outside sheet, and the inside portion being conical.

[0248]FIG. 49J is a thirteenth subspecies 374 illustrating the three-dimensional alternate construction of the first embodiment device 10 having eight sheets to form a support ring 12 having a hexagonal cross-section 376 with, optionally, equal sides.

[0249]FIG. 49K is a fourteenth subspecies 378 illustrating the three-dimensional alternate construction of the first embodiment device 10 to form a support ring 12 having eight sheets to form in cross-section an octagonal support ring 380 with the diametrically opposed outside and inside sheets forming a point.

[0250]FIG. 49L is a fifteenth subspecies 382 illustrating the three-dimensional alternate construction of the first embodiment device 10 to form a support ring 12 having eight sheets to form an octagon 384 in cross-section with the diametrically opposed outside and inside sheets being vertical and parallel.

[0251]FIG. 50A is a second main embodiment 386 in an electromagnetic radiant ray concentrating mode having a transparent membrane 388 facing the sun and a rear reflective metallized membrane 390 on its inner surface and attached by its peripheral edges to the support ring 12 to form a convex reflector structure 392. The radiant solar rays 28 are illustrated as being reflected to focus on an energy absorbing object 394 placed at the focal point of the device 386.

[0252]FIG. 50B is a second main embodiment 386 in a radiant ray projecting mode with the same reflector structure 392, but projecting the electromagnetic rays from a light source 396 such as a light bulb, flashlight or lamp placed at the focal point to a distant object. It should be noted that the selection of the concentrating or projection mode depends on the position of the light source.

[0253]FIG. 51 is the first species 398 of the second embodiment 386 made by pre-forming the support ring 400 by two pieces of annular transparent or reflective (elliptical cross-sectioned) membranes which are sealed at the sides by seams 22, attaching the ring 400 to the peripheral edges of a convex super-ambient element 392 formed with an upper or radiant ray source facing transparent membrane 388 and a rear reflective membrane 390. A first valve 18 is located in the center of the transparent membrane and a second valve 18 is required in the support ring 400 for inflation.

[0254]FIG. 52 is a schematic elevational side view of a second species 402 of the second main super-ambient embodiment 386 made from only two sheets with the top transparent membrane 388 attached to the reflective membrane 390 by pinching in and sealing the periphery of the circular center portion, and then sealing the outside seam of the support ring 400.

[0255]FIG. 53 is a schematic elevational side view of a third species 404 of the second main super-ambient embodiment 386 made by four sheets as in the first species 398, but with an offset attachment 406 of the super ambient reflector chamber relative to the support ring to enlarge the reflector chamber facing the radiant source.

[0256]FIG. 54 is a schematic elevational side view of a fourth species 408 of the second main embodiment 386 having two independent super-ambient reflector chambers 410 with the reflective membranes 390 of each chamber located in the interior. The bottom reflector chamber 410 is considered a redundant chamber which would be useful in the event of impairment of the upper chamber.

[0257]FIG. 55 is a schematic elevational side view of a fifth species 412 of the second main embodiment 386 having two outside transparent membranes 388, 388 forming two valved reflector chambers 410, 410 with the inner disposed reflective membrane 390 (dashed). This structure is valuable because in the event that one of the reflective membranes 390 is rendered inoperable, the device 412 would still be operable.

[0258]FIG. 56 is a schematic elevational side view of a sixth species 414 of the second main embodiment 386 having three reflector chambers 416, 418 and 420, each with individual valves 22 supported by the toroid 400. The upper three membranes 388 are transparent and the lower membranes are reflective on one or both sides of each reflective membrane 390.

[0259]FIG. 57A is a first subspecies 422 of the second species of the FIG. 52 embodiment and the second main embodiment 386, and illustrates the use of four sheets to fabricate by dies or three-dimensional tooling to fabricate a reflector chamber 392 attached inside a round toroid 400. It is noted that the fewer the pieces required translates into a lower cost to produce. More importantly, these subspecies do not require pre-forming thermally in a die set.

[0260]FIG. 57B is a second subspecies 424 of the second main embodiment 386 utilizing six sheets to fabricate the second main embodiment device with the ring 425 having four sides.

[0261]FIG. 57C is a third subspecies 426 of the second embodiment 386 utilizing seven sheets to fabricate the second main embodiment device with the ring 427 having five sides with two parallel sides.

[0262]FIG. 57D is a fourth subspecies 428 of the second embodiment 386 utilizing seven sheets to fabricate the second main embodiment device with the ring 429 having five sides.

[0263]FIG. 57E is a fifth subspecies 430 of the second embodiment 386 utilizing six sheets to form a ring 431 having a cross-section of a hexagon.

[0264]FIG. 57F is a sixth subspecies 432 of the second embodiment 386 utilizing eight sheets to form a ring 433 having a cross-section of an octagon.

[0265]FIG. 57G is a seventh subspecies 434 of the second embodiment 386 utilizing six sheets to form a ring 435 in a flat pattern without the need for dies to fabricate the second main embodiment device. It should be noted the pattern is traced on the raw materials and bonded in the flat condition.

[0266] Thus, the extensive applicability of the fundamental multipurpose, multi-function apparatus as optimized for use as a radiant electromagnetic energy concentrating, focusing, and beaming apparatus has been disclosed. 

We claim:
 1. A multi-function, multi-purpose apparatus for use as a radiant electromagnetic energy concentrating, focusing and beaming apparatus comprising: a ring, said ring being tubular and inflatable, said ring defining a vacant circular center; a first inflation valve disposed in said ring for inflating said ring; at least two pressure-deformable membranes extending across the center of said ring, said membranes and said ring defining at least one inflatable reflector chamber, at least one of said membranes having a second inflation valve extending therethrough for inflating said reflector chamber.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each said valve is a flexible tube closed by a closure means selected from the group consisting of an affixed flexible plug, a flexible ziplock valve, a clamp, and a tie.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one accessory device attached to said ring, the accessory device being selected from the group consisting of: a pair of handles; an apertured tab for hanging the apparatus when in storage; a pair of tying straps; a storage pouch for storing the deflated and folded apparatus; and a pair of pouches for filling with dense material to stabilize the apparatus.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one fastener device attached to said ring, the fastener device being selected from the group consisting of a clevis, a clip, a bracket, a mounting stud, a line, and hook and loop fastening patches.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of said pressure-deformable members includes a socket for receiving accessory equipment.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of inflatable pressure-deformable membranes are two reflecting membranes defining a sub-ambient pressurized reflector chamber.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said ring has at least one access port and each of said membranes have at least one port for filling the apparatus with material.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of said membranes has a centered port for collecting rain.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said centered port is a funnel having a conduit inserted in a collection container.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further including one or more additional rings attached to and above said ring support to increase the volume capacity of the apparatus.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, further including a gutter attached to said ring, said gutter having a drain conduit for collecting precipitation.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of elastic bands attached to a surface of at least one of said membranes to cause wrinkling as a safety feature.
 13. The apparatus according to claim 1, further including a cover attached to at least one point of said ring as a safety means, said cover being rollable into a retracted position.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising patches having cross-hairs positioned in the center of each of said membranes for aiming and alignment.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 1, further including: a rigid hemispherical hollow support for supporting said ring; and a second support ring for supporting said hemispherical support.
 16. The apparatus according to claim 1, further including a support having two inflatable linear tubes of equal length, each of said tubes having connected compartments with individual inflation valves, for adjusting their height, and weight containable pouches at a lower end for supporting said ring.
 17. The apparatus according to claim 1, further including a support attached to said ring and having hooks or ridges for supporting a kettle and a rotisserie rod, wherein the apparatus focuses solar radiation to a combination rotisserie and kettle.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 1, further including a safety cage attached to said ring, said safety cage including a foldable framework of rigid semi-circular elements.
 19. The apparatus according to claim 1, further including a wire truss for connecting to an electrical wire of a receiver or transmitter.
 20. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said ring and said membranes are formed from a flat pattern of at least four sheets.
 21. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least two membranes include at least one reflecting membrane and at least one transparent membrane defining a super-ambient pressurized reflector chamber.
 22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein each said valve is a flexible tube closed by a closure means selected from the group consisting of an affixed flexible plug, a flexible ziplock valve, a clamp, and a tie.
 23. The apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising at least one accessory device attached to said ring, the accessory device being selected from the group consisting of: a pair of handles; an apertured tab for hanging when in storage; a pair of tying straps; a storage pouch for storing the deflated and folded apparatus; and a pair of pouches for filling with dense material to stabilize the apparatus.
 24. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the transparent membrane is positioned on top having a centered first valve, the reflective membrane is positioned below to form a convex-convex reflecting lens chamber, and the ring support has a second valve.
 25. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said ring is made of two preformed half-ring pieces and joined to the reflecting membrane and transparent membrane at a juncture of the joined half-ring pieces.
 26. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein an upper half of the apparatus is made from one transparent membrane and joined to a bottom half of one reflective membrane to form the reflector chamber and said ring support. 